Trucking Companies in St. Louis, MO: How to Evaluate a Regional Carrier

The American Trucking Associations projects a national shortfall of roughly 82,000 drivers in 2026, a gap it expects to grow to 160,000 by 2031 as the average driver's age climbs toward 46 and retirements outpace new CDL holders (American Trucking Associations, 2026). That shortage doesn't hit every carrier equally. Carriers with strong retention, dedicated freight programs, and driver support tend to keep capacity steady while smaller or less-established operations feel the squeeze first, often passing volatility on to shippers as inconsistent capacity or rising spot rates.

Dedicated capacity, where a carrier commits specific trucks and drivers to your freight on a recurring basis, trades some flexibility for consistency. It tends to perform better on cost and reliability for shippers with predictable, recurring volume. Spot market capacity makes more sense for irregular or one-off shipments, but it also means your rate and your carrier can change with market conditions, sometimes on short notice.

Most shippers use a mix of both. The mistake is not knowing which of your lanes should be dedicated and which should stay in the spot market, and choosing a carrier that can only offer one model regardless of what your freight needs.

Carrier compliance deserves a direct conversation upfront. Ask how a carrier vets its own drivers and subcontractors, particularly if they broker out any portion of your freight to other carriers without disclosing it.